Former British number one Elena Baltacha diagnosed with liver cancer

SHOCK: Elena Baltacha has confirmed she has been diagnosed with liver cancer [GETTY]

A statement from the 30-year-old, who reached the third round at Wimbledon in 2002, said: "I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have."

Baltacha and her husband Nino have thanked everyone for their continued support.

FAVOURITE TOURNAMENT: Baltacha enjoyed some of her best results on the grass at Wimbledon [GETTY]

Passing on love and best wishes to Elena Baltacha for a speedy recovery. Shocked by this news.
http://t.co/qcHhQq4I92

NEW GENERATION: Baltacha speaks to British youngster Heather Watson during a Fed Cup clash [GETTY]

“ have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have”

Elena Baltacha

Judy Murray, captain of the GB Fed Cup Team, added: "Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino and her family but she is such a determined, upbeat person and everyone around her is sating positive as well.

"I know she'll be really grateful for all the support that she's getting."

Baltacha was the British number one for 10 years between 2002 and 2012 however due to a knee injury and a subsequent long-term absence from competition she topped down the world rankings.

She retired in November last year with a world ranking of 221 and a British ranking of six.

Speaking about her early liver disease diagnosis she added: "Suddenly I found I barely had the energy to get out of bed in the mornings.

"I couldn't train properly but I had no idea what was going on.

"My diet was good and I barely touched alcohol. I had all sorts of tests which proved negative and even had my tonsils removed. At one stage it was thought I was suffering a bad reaction to antibiotics and chickenpox was also suspected because I developed a rash."

Baltacha was born in the Ukraine but was raised in Perth, Scotland.

Her father Sergei was a professional footballer who represented the Soviet Union as well as playing in Britain for Ipswich and Scottish side St. Johnstone.

Her mother Olga represented the USSR at the Olympics in both the pentathlon and heptathlon.